October 19, 2011 • DON’T FORGET : Please fill out your Mid-semester evaluations. • Essay #4 Workshop (Thesis & Outline) are due at the beginning of labs on Oct. 27 th or 28 th • You should bring three copies of a one-page document that clearly states your thesis and gives an outline of your planned argument. • You will give one copy of this document to your TA. The other copies will be shared with up to two of your fellow students in the lab. • Failure to do so will mean a significant penalty in your participation grade. • Senator Joseph Lieberman • Tuesday, Oct. 25, 11:05 a.m., Marriott Center

Last Time • Democratic and undemocratic elements of our Constitution.

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Electoral College as a Compromise • Electors chosen by each state • Number of electors in each state = the sum of senators and representatives from that state • States determine the electors • Must have a majority of electors to be elected • If no majority, the House of Representatives decides, with each state receiving 1 vote.

Some Definitions • Plurality • The largest block of all votes cast • Majority • More than half of all vote cast

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Electoral College as a Compromise • Presumption among many at the convention that the House would be the selection mechanism • States would vote for their “favorite sons” • No majority among electors • The House would decide

How do the States Choose Electors? • “Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in Congress.” (Article II sec. 1) • State legislatures therefore choose the manner of selecting electors. • All states now choose electors through direct election.

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Voting for President • On election day, you actually vote for electors, not the presidential candidates.

Who are the Electors? • The Constitution says that “no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector.” (Article II sec. 1) • Most of these individuals are prominent citizens or party workers.

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